by Rev Tim Mitchem
2019 has brought change to our student ministries. But we serve a God of change, that makes all things new. With Ryan’s resignation and call to another ministry, God worked on my heart to step back into a passion I have, youth ministry. Since coming in June, I have enjoyed being a part of the family at First Baptist, and have slowly begun to use the gifts given to me. I enjoy being with my best friend Doc and supporting his ministry, but I believe one reason I came to Beckley First was for this time!
I am so excited to see what this year brings to the students of Illuminate. We are continuing with Sunday school each week, we have a lesson and plan some time to talk and fellowship as well. Sunday night is being branded as 4th Floor Worship; we have live student led worship, and a sermon that I am working on each week for the students. We also will have fellowship time and allow them to express their relationship with God, and encourage each other. We also meet for a Tuesday night bible study. Currently we have been at the Chocolate Moose, but may also go to a few other places including the New Chick-Fil-A on Harper Road. This bible study is currently going through the book of James and discussing growing our faith and accepting the challenges that the book holds.
We are also planning some activities such an escape room, bowling, skating, movies, lock ins, scavenger hunts, and lots of social and fun things. I want to help our youth see that God cares about every side of them; physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and mental. I also want to help them see they are a part of the body of Christ and the Beckley First Baptist Church. I hope to plan some things where different generations can share with each other and that you can get to know the awesome people with in our group. I will have events planned better for March to put in next month as well.
We also want to get parents and grandparents involved! We will be having a meeting to lay out a vision for our group and get some feedback. We also would love any help and volunteers to help carry out what God wants us to do. We will have a schedule in next month’s Beam to let you know of more events, until then, pray for our students, us, and that God is glorified.